WASHINGTON | When gasoline prices first hit $3 a gallon in 2005, irate lawmakers quickly assembled top oil executives for a public grilling.Pump prices are again above $3, yet the outcry from Congress is barely a whimper by comparison -- even after this week's warning from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke that oil near $100 a barrel is a serious economic threat.The change in tone since Nov. 9, 2005 -- when Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., castigated oil executives for reaping multimillion-dollar bonuses while "working people struggle" -- reflects an altered landscape in terms of energy economics and politics, analysts said.-- The American public is more accustomed to high prices, despite the financial pinch.-- Oil industry profits are retreating from year-ago levels as the soaring cost of crude crimps refining revenue.-- The outrage many Democrats expressed back then over high energy prices has been tempered by the fact that their party now controls Congress, making finger pointing more difficult.-- Plus, lawmakers have their hands full with a worsening housing crisis, a four and a half year old war in Iraq, and spending bills that have yet to be completed.Geoffrey Styles, managing director of Virginia-based energy consulting firm GSW Strategy Group LLC, ascribes the relatively tame reaction in Washington these days to "price fatigue.""If (gas) hits $3.50 a gallon, then I think you'll see ...

CBI gets kidney kingpin till Feb 22

A Delhi court on Sunday allowed the CBI to keep Amit Kumar, the alleged kidney transplant racket kingpin, in its custody till February 22.

This cleared the decks for a prolonged grilling of Amit. There are plans to confront the rogue doctor with other accused in the racket, involving more than 500 illegal transplants, CBI sources said. The racket was busted following raids in Amit's Gurgaon hospital on January 24.

The CBI will also investigate Amit's possible links with other hospitals, extent of his network in other states, former recipients and donors as well as links with influential people. The sources added that he may be subjected to narco-analysis.

Considering the intense media coverage, the CBI has been trying to keep Amit away from the glare.

Senators Trounce Transportation Officials

Officials from the Texas Department of Transportation fielded tough questions during a three-hour grilling before a joint Senate committee last Tuesday morning, and one of the toughest lines of inquiry came from Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin.

Watson has plenty of reasons to be unhappy with the transportation department. In TxDOT's new world of transportation funding – the world with all those toll roads and public-private partnerships – Central Texas leaders have put their credibility on the line, most recently with a vote last October to, once more, approve a set of toll roads. Unknown to them, though, TxDOT already was planning major budget cuts that were going to trickle down to Central Texas. Watson was more than miffed. He was angry during the joint committee meeting of Senate Finance and Senate Transportation and Homeland Security, coldly leading TxDOT Executive Director Amadeo Saenz and Chief Financial Officer James Bass through a series of questions about what they knew and when.

Lexington company named a top marketer by Advertising Age

Laura's Lean Beef Co. has been selected by Advertising Age, an ad industry trade publication, as one of the top 50 marketers for 2007.

Torchwood writer shares some script secrets

One of the writers for hit BBC Wales series Torchwood will be speaking at a festival in Wales this week. Here Cath Tregenna shares some behind-the-scenes secrets with Emily Lambert

"With a series like EastEnders or Casualty you are sent the story bible. Although you do write entire episodes with EastEnders, it has been pre-planned by the production team and they know what they want to happen.

Peppadew™, Pistachio and Cranberry Couscous with Melting Goat’s ...

1 Put the Sweet Piquanté Peppers, couscous and cranberries into a large bowl and add the hot stock, allowing it to soak in and swell the couscous for about 10 minutes.

British Gas profits up 570% as prices soar

The figures will lead to accusations of profiteering, as many power giants have cashed in on the winter chill with inflation-busting increases.

British Gas is just one of the 'big six' companies which saw their profits increase sharply last year. Power industry bosses now face a grilling from MPs, who fear the recent price rises have driven millions into fuel poverty.

Around 4m households spend more than 10% of their disposable income on gas and electricity. This means they sometimes have to make a choice between heating and eating.

Pressure is mounting for a windfall tax on the industry to raise money for energy efficiency measures - such as insulating pensioners' homes.

The record profits at British Gas are expected to bolster the results of its parent company Centrica, where annual profits are forecast to rise 40% to more than £2bn.

Give bitter radicchio a tasty spin

A member of the chicory family, radicchio's vibrant burgundy-and-white leaves have a sharp flavor and a pleasing crunch. Refreshingly bitter, radicchio is downright delicious when combined with sour, sweet, salty or rich food. Its sturdy texture takes well to searing, roasting or grilling, which softens it and can mellow its intense flavor. Each of these recipes will bring out a different aspect of radicchio's flavor.